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illi · 07-09-2007, 11:27 PM

Hello everyone.

I made a plan for an APH and want to check with you guys before building. I'm trying to make it as small as possible with more power. This is kind of like Doom's design, and I hope it works. What do you guys think? Will it work?

C-A_99 · 07-10-2007, 01:32 PM

I would suggest using 1/2 tubing, and either use at least 4" for the reservoir, or a bottle. But PVC reservoirs aren't that good, are heavy, and 3", if you do the math, hardly holds any water (unless it is very long). I don't remember exactly, but something like a 2ft piece of 3" holds only about 2-3L or so.

And overall, your design, being based off older designs, will not be very ergonomical and easy to use. For the handle, I'd suggest the styrofoam or whatever block you can find, since unless you can find PVC fittings good for that purpose, you're going to have inconsistent diameters inside the pump, causing numerous problems with that pump.

If you go with a PVC reservoir, try not to make it too top heavy. Use cellcore pipe (the kind that's not for pressure) since it's lighter and probably cheaper. Make it at least 4" as I've said, and don't make it too long. Also, make sure there's a small hole or check valve, so that air can come in and displace the water that's being sucked in. You can simply drill a small hole for this purpose. Along with that, I'm going to have to recommend a ball valve instead of a threaded cap for filling up. (drilling the small hole somewhere else obviously) Ball valves are a lot faster to get the reservoir filled up as opposed to having to unthread a cap. (and risk losing it)

illi · 07-10-2007, 01:47 PM

Well the 3/4" tubing i'm planning to stick with, but i need to change the handle then. I just don't like the looks of the Styrofoam taped in between the gun.

Also you said that the design was old. Can you tell me were I can find a newer APH design.

Thanks

DX · 07-10-2007, 02:21 PM

The design is old, but fine, except that I'd recommend flipping the reservoir on its side against the pressure chambers. The gun pictured on the right has its reservoir curved in that way to make the gun better balanced:

Also, if you are buying a PVC ball valve, build a torque arm for it to increase its flipping speed. A PVC ball valve without one closes rather slowly. There are pictures somewhere showing what a torque arm looks like. You don't need one if you decide on a metal ball valve, but they are more expensive in most areas.

Keep 3/4" and 3" for the tubing and reservoir. You only want a 4" reservoir if the pc[s] is/are also 4" or smaller [balance is very important]

illi · 07-10-2007, 02:35 PM

Also, if i make the pump out of pvc, will it work. Suppose i make the tubing 1" and the pump 1/2 " will this work as well as the wooden dowel or the alluminum rod.

Does the length of the pump make a difference?

Silence · 07-10-2007, 04:49 PM

You could use PVC...but why bother? Wood is fairly easy to work with and more reliable for pumps, especially if you need to make a groove for the O-ring. Also, you'll want a narrow pump if you want higher pressures and more range.

Length of the pump makes no real performance difference. You can either make many short pumps or a few long ones. Smaller pumps tend to take less space, while larger ones tend to be less annoying as you're not reversing directions as often. Most people prefer pumps 6-12 inches in length.

By the way, welcome to the forums!

illi · 07-14-2007, 12:10 AM

I'm sorry guys, but no pictures today. I finished it, and it works, but it's a little uncomfortable to hold. I'm planning to put some padding and a shoulder strap. That should do the trick.

My pump is 3/4" and is very effective. After a few short pumps, you really need to use your arm muscles.

I get afraid that the PVC might crack.

I 'll try to post some pictures on Saturday.

Thanks for all the advice.

illi · 07-17-2007, 12:14 PM

Sorry guys about the long wait for the pictures.

The camera had some water on the lenz. That is why there are white spots on some pictures.

07-09-2007, 11:27 PM	#1
illi Junior member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 11 UserID: 1285	See my plan for an APH Hello everyone. I made a plan for an APH and want to check with you guys before building. I'm trying to make it as small as possible with more power. This is kind of like Doom's design, and I hope it works. What do you guys think? Will it work? Last edited by illi : 07-10-2007 at 12:06 PM.

07-10-2007, 01:32 PM	#2
C-A_99 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: MI, US Posts: 465 UserID: 809	I would suggest using 1/2 tubing, and either use at least 4" for the reservoir, or a bottle. But PVC reservoirs aren't that good, are heavy, and 3", if you do the math, hardly holds any water (unless it is very long). I don't remember exactly, but something like a 2ft piece of 3" holds only about 2-3L or so. And overall, your design, being based off older designs, will not be very ergonomical and easy to use. For the handle, I'd suggest the styrofoam or whatever block you can find, since unless you can find PVC fittings good for that purpose, you're going to have inconsistent diameters inside the pump, causing numerous problems with that pump. If you go with a PVC reservoir, try not to make it too top heavy. Use cellcore pipe (the kind that's not for pressure) since it's lighter and probably cheaper. Make it at least 4" as I've said, and don't make it too long. Also, make sure there's a small hole or check valve, so that air can come in and displace the water that's being sucked in. You can simply drill a small hole for this purpose. Along with that, I'm going to have to recommend a ball valve instead of a threaded cap for filling up. (drilling the small hole somewhere else obviously) Ball valves are a lot faster to get the reservoir filled up as opposed to having to unthread a cap. (and risk losing it) __________________ http://hbww.fateback.com/index.html Website w/ info on teams, armory, etc. A pessimist says a bucket of water is half empty, an optimist says its half full. But the Aquatic Soaking Squad warrior starts looking for a teammate who may need ammo.

07-10-2007, 02:21 PM	#4
DX Wicked Super Admin Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Easton / New London, CT Posts: 1,575 UserID: 75	The design is old, but fine, except that I'd recommend flipping the reservoir on its side against the pressure chambers. The gun pictured on the right has its reservoir curved in that way to make the gun better balanced: Also, if you are buying a PVC ball valve, build a torque arm for it to increase its flipping speed. A PVC ball valve without one closes rather slowly. There are pictures somewhere showing what a torque arm looks like. You don't need one if you decide on a metal ball valve, but they are more expensive in most areas. Keep 3/4" and 3" for the tubing and reservoir. You only want a 4" reservoir if the pc[s] is/are also 4" or smaller [balance is very important] __________________ Mess With the Best, Get Soaked Like the Rest!! 2004 Red Sox - World Series Champions 2007 RED SOX - WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS! 2003 Patriots - Super Bowl Champions 2004 Patriots - Super Bowl Champions 2007 Patriots - God Damnit!

07-10-2007, 04:49 PM	#6
Silence Administrator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,250 UserID: 576	You could use PVC...but why bother? Wood is fairly easy to work with and more reliable for pumps, especially if you need to make a groove for the O-ring. Also, you'll want a narrow pump if you want higher pressures and more range. Length of the pump makes no real performance difference. You can either make many short pumps or a few long ones. Smaller pumps tend to take less space, while larger ones tend to be less annoying as you're not reversing directions as often. Most people prefer pumps 6-12 inches in length. By the way, welcome to the forums! __________________ Forum Rules

07-10-2007, 01:47 PM	#3
illi Junior member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 11 UserID: 1285	Well the 3/4" tubing i'm planning to stick with, but i need to change the handle then. I just don't like the looks of the Styrofoam taped in between the gun. Also you said that the design was old. Can you tell me were I can find a newer APH design. Thanks

07-10-2007, 02:35 PM	#5
illi Junior member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 11 UserID: 1285	Also, if i make the pump out of pvc, will it work. Suppose i make the tubing 1" and the pump 1/2 " will this work as well as the wooden dowel or the alluminum rod. Does the length of the pump make a difference?

07-14-2007, 12:10 AM	#7
illi Junior member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 11 UserID: 1285	I'm sorry guys, but no pictures today. I finished it, and it works, but it's a little uncomfortable to hold. I'm planning to put some padding and a shoulder strap. That should do the trick. My pump is 3/4" and is very effective. After a few short pumps, you really need to use your arm muscles. I get afraid that the PVC might crack. I 'll try to post some pictures on Saturday. Thanks for all the advice.

07-17-2007, 12:14 PM	#8
illi Junior member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 11 UserID: 1285	Sorry guys about the long wait for the pictures. The camera had some water on the lenz. That is why there are white spots on some pictures.

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